What is bike sharing?

A bicycle sharing program, also known as a "bikeshare" program, is a service in which bicycles are made available for shared use to individuals on an automated, short term basis. The central concept of these systems is to provide affordable access to bicycles for short-distance trips in urban areas as an alternative to motorized public transportation or private automobiles, with a goal of reducing parking and traffic congestion, as well as air pollution. Bike sharing is a solution for connecting the first or last mile between public transit hubs. Bike share programs also address some of the primary disadvantages to bicycle ownership, including loss from theft or vandalism, lack of parking or storage, and maintenance.

How does bike sharing work?

Patrons may access program bicycles via a network of bike sharing stations around the city. Bicycles can be checked out from any station and returned to any other station (bikes don't have to be returned to the station where they were checked out). Access to bicycles is available with either a membership key fob or a credit/debit card.

What is DISCOVER® BIKE?

DISCOVER® BIKE is a self-service, automated bicycle sharing and rental program implemented in partnership with the City of San Diego and operated by DISCOVER® BIKE, LLC. It is a citywide program that will operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Initially the program will consist of approximately 120 solar-powered DISCOVER® STATIONS and 1,800 DECOBIKES available to residents and visitors.

Who takes care of the DISCOVER®BIKE and DISCOVER® STATIONS?

DISCOVER® BIKE, LLC is the entity charged with operating and maintaining the DISCOVER® BIKE program, on behalf of the City of San Diego.

When will DISCOVER® BIKE San Diego open?

The first bike share stations will be open to the public beginning October 30, 2014. Installation of the stations will begin in September.

How many stations and bikes will DISCOVER® BIKE San Diego offer?

Our current goal is to provide 180 stations and 1,800 bikes within the City of San Diego.

How do the stations work?

Stations are solar-powered and automated. They will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are modular in design and can be easily expanded to meet demand. Each station will have a map indicating station locations. You will also be able to find locations via the DISCOVER® BIKE website and mobile apps once the program is launched.

I think my community or university should have a DISCOVER® BIKE program, where can I get more info?

How do I rent a bike?

Patrons may approach any station stocked with bicycles and select the bike number of their choosing. Then, a patron would either use a membership card, key or a credit card to check out a bike by entering the corresponding bicycle number (each bike has a unique identification number). Once selected, simply approach the bike dock and remove the bike when the LED light turns green, indicating the bike is unlocked. Enjoy!

How long can I use a DISCOVER® BIKE?

For as long as you want, based on your choice of membership or casual use. Different membership and rentals options will be available, and we encourage you to check back prior to the program's launch for more details. At least two membership options will be offered: "Standard", with unlimited 30-minute rides, and "Deluxe", with unlimited 60-minute rides. Short term rentals will include 30-minute, 60-minute and 2-hour options.

How do I take a bike out of a bike dock?

There will be two ways to access bikes at stations. Registered members will receive a Membership Key (RFID key fob) and non-members will use a credit or debit card at the station.

How do I return a bike to a bike dock?

Simply pull the bike into the dock and the probe will lock in place.

How do I ensure that my bike is properly docked?

You will see an LED light up to confirm the bike is locked in place at the dock.

Can I take out more than one bike with my key or my credit card?

You can only check out one bike on a single membership key. You may check out up to three (3) bikes on a credit or debit card.

Can I lend my DISCOVER® BIKE membership key to other people?

No. You are not permitted to share or lend your membership with other people. Doing so creates financial liability for you in the event that the bike is not returned on time or if there is damage to the bike. Further, it is grounds for the cancellation of your membership.

Will DISCOVER® BIKE offer any types of discounted memberships?

DISCOVER® BIKE will, on a case by case basis, offer discounted memberships to non-profit, government and student groups.

What is the difference between a membership subscription and a rental?

A membership is generally recommended for ongoing access to or for regular commuting around the city. A membership will get the rider from station to station without additional usage fees. Members may check-out a bike from any station and return it to any station in the city. Members can access all bikes and stations in the city.
A rental is generally for one-time users of the program and can replace the need for a taxi or excessive walks on short trips. During the rental period the rider may check-out a bike from any station and return a bike to any station. Renters may access all bikes and stations in the city during the rental period.

Will there be additional usage fees if I do not return my DISCOVER® BIKE on-time?

Yes. Additional usage fees will apply to riders who do not return their DISCOVER® BIKE on-time.

What do I do if my DISCOVER® BIKE isn't working properly?

If you experience issues with your DISCOVER® BIKE, simply dock it at any station and report it at the dock or kiosk as "needing service". The bike will then be locked down until it is serviced.

What do I do if my DISCOVER® BIKE key fob has been lost or stolen?

Please contact the DISCOVER® BIKE helpline immediately or log into your account online at www.discoverbikesandiego.com to report the key as lost/stolen. You will be charged a replacement fee of $5.00 Any additional usage fees, damage or bike replacement fees incurred by your key before you have reported it as stolen will be your responsibility.

What do I do if my DISCOVER® BIKE has been lost or stolen?

Immediately notify us by calling the DISCOVER® BIKE helpline. You will need to complete a DISCOVER® BIKE Theft Form within 24 hours. Additionally, you will be required to contact the police department at (619) 531-2000 or (858) 484-3154 and file a police report within 24 hours of the incident. DISCOVER® BIKE may charge your credit or debit card for the cost of recovering or replacing the DISCOVER® BIKE.

How old do I need to be to use a DISCOVER® BIKE?

DISCOVER®BIKE is for riders ages 18 years and older.

Do the DISCOVER® BIKES fit everyone?

We use a standardized custom program bicycle. DISCOVER® BIKES are comfortable, and have adjustable seats which will accommodate most riders with a height of 5 feet or more. We suggest trying one on for size prior to riding.

Are helmets provided at the stations?

No. DISCOVER® BIKE does not provide helmets at stations. It is the user's responsibility to provide their own helmet. You may obtain a helmet from any bike shop or sporting goods store.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

DISCOVER® BIKE encourages all riders to wear a helmet. A properly fitted helmet is the only way to help reduce the risk of severe head injury in the event of an accident. Users of DISCOVER® BIKES ride at their own risk.

Are DISCOVER® BIKES equipped with locks?

No. It is the user's responsibility to lock and secure the DISCOVER® BIKE at all times. The most secure way to ensure the safety of your DISCOVER® BIKE is to secure it into a DISCOVER® STATION.

Is it safe to use DISCOVER® BIKE at nighttime or in the dark?

With proper safety precautions and awareness of your surroundings, bicycles can be safely operated at nighttime. You must exercise extreme caution when riding any bicycle in an urban setting at nighttime or in dark, low-visibility conditions. Most DISCOVER® BIKES are equipped with self-generating lights that power-up when you begin to ride. It is the rider's responsibility to make sure he/she only operates a bike at night with functional front and rear lighting. Rider can verify the functionality of the self-generating lights by walking and/or riding the bike within fifteen (15) feet of the station that the bike is checked out from. All DISCOVER® BIKES are equipped with safety reflectors.

What do I do if I have been involved in a crash or accident of some kind on my DISCOVER® BIKE?

Immediately call the police and emergency services by dialing 911. Following that, you must notify DISCOVER® BIKE of the incident within 24 hours by calling the DISCOVER® BIKE helpline. You may be required to fill out a DISCOVER® BIKE Incident Form and provide a copy of your police report to DISCOVER® BIKE. It is important to note that the DISCOVER® BIKE remains your responsibility until it has been properly docked at a DISCOVER® BIKE station or turned into a DISCOVER® BIKE team member.